scrape
scrape definition
scrape (skrāp)
transitive verb scraped, scraping scrap′·ing
- to rub over the surface of with something rough or sharp
- to make smooth or clean by rubbing with a tool or abrasive
- to remove by rubbing with something sharp or rough: with off, out, etc.
- to scratch or abrade by a rough, rubbing contact to fall and scrape one's knee
- to rub with a harsh, grating sound chalk scraping a blackboard
- to dig, esp. with the hands and nails
- to collect or gather slowly and with difficulty to scrape together some money
Etymology: ME scrapen < ON skrapa, akin to Du schrapen, OE screpan, to scratch < IE base *(s)ker-, to cut > scurf, sharp
intransitive verb
- to scrape something so as to remove dirt, etc.
- to rub against something harshly; grate
- to give out a harsh, grating noise
- to collect or gather goods or money slowly and with difficulty
- to manage to get by; survive: with through, along, by
- to draw the foot back along the ground in bowing
noun
- the act of scraping
- a scraped place; abrasion or scratch
- the noise of scraping; harsh, grating sound
- a disagreeable or embarrassing situation; predicament, esp. when caused by one's own conduct
- a fight or conflict
Related Forms:
- scraper scrap′er noun
Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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